What makes benecos nail polishes so special? Apart from the rich, vibrant colours and quick drying time they have a larger brush for easy application, they are free from many common irritants and are even water and air permeable. The formula is up to 90% natural and contains avocado and biotin, (biotin is known as Vitamin H or more commonly by its ‘nickname’ Vitamin H, coming from the German words Haar and Haut, hair and skin).Biotin is known to maintain the health of nails and to strengthen brittle nails whilst avocado boosts keratin content and Vitamin E found in avocado helps to encourage healthy growth.

Benecos nail polishes are FREE FROM: Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen which is generally used as a nail hardener.

Silicone – used to improve scratch and chip resistance. Silicone is not biodegradable and can leave a layer on the skin which may even cause irritation.

Camphor – extracted from the bark and wood of camphor trees this strongly scented oil is used in nail polish to give them their glossy, shiny appearance. It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions when applied topically and nausea, dizziness and headaches when inhaled.

Colophony – is also known as rosin and is obtained by distilling the sap of pine and spruce trees. It is known to cause skin irritation and is the third highest cause of occupational asthma.

Phthalates – used to increase the flexibility of products, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls and reproductive birth defects in males and females.

Toluene – its main use is in gasoline and as a solvent. It is used in nail varnish to create a smooth finish across the nail and keeps the nail polish from separating in the bottle, it can affect the respiratory system and is thought to damage the central nervous system

Parabens – generally used as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and yeast in cosmetic products. They can mimic oestrogen and are associated with an increased risk in breast cancer.

Haloorganic Compounds - can be toxic and corrosive and may be carcinogenic. They are usually absorbed through the respiratory tract and skin and can cause allergies, irritation, headaches and nervous disorders.

THPH (triphenyl phosphate) – a study by Duke University in North Carolina claimed that traces of THPH were found in the bodies of women who painted their nails. Previous studies have found connections between THPH and developmental and reproductive problems prompting it to be classed as a suspected endocrine disruptor. THPH is generally used as a plasticiser to make nail polish flexible (THPH is banned from use in the EU).